By David Hurst
The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
HOUTZDALE, Pa. — A state prison boot camp is on the move – but the motivational center for men will remain in Clearfield County, officials said Tuesday.
State lawmakers announced the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ Motivational Boot Camp Program for males will be established at SCI-Houtzdale, approximately 12 miles north of Cambria County, once the Quehanna Boot Camp closes further north.
Quehanna is located at the northeasternmost end of Clearfield County and was selected for closure as a cost-cutting move at a time when the state inmate population is on the decline.
Female boot camp services are being relocated to SCI-Cambridge Springs in northern Pennsylvania.
“Since the moment the closure was announced, I have continuously advocated for the Quehanna Boot Camp to remain operational. At a minimum, my advocacy will keep the program in Clearfield County,” said state Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R- Richland Township. “Under this transition, male offenders will report to SCI Houtzdale, and female offenders will report to SCI Cambridge Springs in Crawford County.
“This outcome,” he added, “would not have been possible without the partnership of Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, who from day one recognized the importance of the boot camp to our community. However, I remain extremely frustrated and disappointed that, despite bipartisan efforts in the Senate, the governor and secretary chose to override the clear support of legislators and the public and proceed with closing the Quehanna Boot Camp. This decision ignores the vital role Quehanna has played in our region for decades.”
State Rep. Dallas Kephart, R- Clearfield, also criticized the decision to close the Quehanna facility – but added: “That said, I am glad that the Boot Camp will remain in my district in Clearfield County.”
He said he was urging the DOC to give current boot camp staff the option to transfer to SCI-Houtzdale.
“These men and women have a proven record of success with the Boot Camp program, and their experience should not be lost,” Kephart said.
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